ECB deny BCCI have requested to reschedule five-Test series

Reports suggesting Indian authorities have submitted a proposal to shift the tour back a week have been quashed

bccecb210501-min

Jofra Archer to undergo elbow surgery

Ashes schedule confirmed: Gabba to host first Test from December 8

The ECB have refuted claims they have received an official request by the BCCI to move the England-India Test series.

ESPNCricinfo are reporting the Indian authorities have asked for the start and end of the series to be put back a week.

Currently, the first Test at Trent Bridge is scheduled to get underway on August 4 with the fifth and final game concluding on September 14 at Old Trafford.

But the BCCI are reportedly keen to see the entire series shifted to create a three-week window to complete the remaining 31 matches of the postponed Indian Premier League.

An ECB statement read: "We talk to the BCCI on a regular basis about a wide range of issues especially as we address the challenges of Covid-19, but have had no official request to change dates and are continuing to plan for the five-Test series as is scheduled."

Furthermore, the move would allow countries more preparation time ahead of the T20 World Cup, the venue for which is yet to be confirmed. With India all-but ruled out as hosts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and England are in contention.

Any rejig would create a multitude of headaches for the ECB, including the proximity of the Tests to the start of the inaugural season of The Hundred (which starts on July 21) and the prospect of upsetting thousands of ticket-holders.

England v India Test fixtures:

Wednesday, August 4-Sunday, August 8: England v India (1st Test, Trent Bridge)

Thursday, August 12-Monday, August 16: England v India (2nd Test, Lord’s)

Wednesday, August 25-Sunday, August 29: England v India (3rd Test, Emerald Headingley)

Thursday, September 2-Monday, September 6: England v India (4th Test, Kia Oval)

Friday, September 10-Tuesday, September 14: England v India (5th Test, Emirates Old Trafford)

Comments

SERIES/COMPETITIONS

LOADING

STATS

STAY UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter...
SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE115DP

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.